UN Session participants wear Indonesian batik

 Indonesia's position as a non-permanent member of the UNSC can facilitate Indonesia's strategic foreign policy goals so far. The soft batik diplomacy strategy needs to continue to be developed without losing the firmness of Indonesia's position on various world issues.

The UN Security Council session led by the Indonesian Foreign Minister as President of the UNSC for May 2019 this time took place uniquely. The black or dark-colored suits that usually adorn the clothes of the delegates that day did not decorate the meeting room. The atmosphere looked more colorful.

Retno Marsudi, the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs who led the session, wore a batik suit. She chose a floral patterned outfit with a combination of red, dark green, and brick. Meanwhile, UN Secretary General Antonio Gueteres who was present at the session also chose a batik shirt.

It can be said that almost all the delegates present wore batik as their respect for Indonesia which this month holds the position of President of the UN Security Council. The first session itself discussed the UN peacekeeping forces deployed to conflict areas.

It must be admitted, Indonesia has been known to be active in maintaining world peace by sending its peacekeeping forces to the UN. We are the country that contributes the eighth largest number of troops among the 124 countries. According to Retno Marsudi, currently the number of our troops still undergoing peacekeeping missions is 3,080 people.

The commitment and capabilities of Indonesian troops are recognized by almost all delegates. Therefore, when Indonesia led an open debate to discuss increasing the capacity of peacekeeping troops, the delegates responded positively.

The open debate meeting themed Sowing the Seeds of Peace held by the UN Security Council was initiated by Indonesia to encourage increasing the capacity of Peacekeeping Forces in various missions around the world.

The meeting became one of Indonesia's priority agendas during its time as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2019-2020. Indonesia's position at the UN, which was elected as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, is a recognition from the world as well as an opportunity that Indonesia needs to continue to maximize. The direction of Indonesia's free and active foreign policy while actively realizing justice and lasting peace

As we know, Indonesia's position is often at odds with major countries in various world issues. For example, Indonesia's position on the Palestinian issue is always at odds with the US's perspective. Likewise in humanitarian cases such as Rohingya refugees in Myanmar.

By occupying a position as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Indonesia can more freely carry out its agenda. Our involvement in determining the direction of world peace is an acknowledgment as well as an opportunity to prove Indonesia's influence in the eyes of hundreds of other countries.

Several delegates after leading the UN Security Council session in New York, United States, Tuesday (7/5/2019).

At the beginning of its role in the UN Security Council, it seems that Indonesia has succeeded in sweetly inviting the session participants to appreciate the beauty of batik as a unique wealth of Indonesia. Cultural diplomacy that understands each other and builds a shared civilization is what Indonesia seems to be prioritizing.

Actually, this batik diplomacy has long been our characteristic. When receiving South Korean President Moon Jae-in, President Jokowi took his guest to a mall in Bogor. They both chose two pieces of batik shirts with similar patterns. Only the colors were slightly different.

President Moon seemed happy with the way Jokowi entertained his guests. He was immediately invited to the market, choosing his own favorite clothes. In fact, at the official meeting the next day, many strategic agendas and cooperation between the two countries needed to be discussed. With this batik diplomacy, everything has been smooth at the beginning.

The world itself has recognized batik as part of Indonesia's wealth. Through a long process, in 2019 UNESCO finally recognized batik as part of Indonesia's unique culture. Even though at the same time Malaysia also claimed batik as part of its culture.

When most of the participants in the UN session led by Indonesia wore batik, it was clearly illustrated that Indonesia's cultural diplomacy has so far reaped quite significant results. This shows the recognition of world delegates that batik is part of Indonesia's wealth.

Indonesia does need to continue to play a soft diplomacy strategy but still not lose direction on strategic issues that have been the nation's concern. In the future, it seems that Indonesia's strategic role in the world and the region will be more strategic. Given the various advances that Indonesia has succeeded in achieving, even though the world is being hit by hot and cold due to trade wars and various conflicts of interest.

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